FIFA throws out Costa Rica protest

Zurich, Switzerland (Sports Network) - FIFA announced Tuesday that it has
decided to uphold the result from Friday's CONCACAF World Cup qualifier
between the United States and Costa Rica, which ended in a 1-0 win for the
Americans.

Costa Rica lodged a formal protest of the result, pleading that the
accumulated snow made for unplayable conditions. But the world governing body
has thrown out the complaint and upheld the final score.

"FIFA has examined the content of the letter and, taking into consideration
article 14, paragraph 4 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup regulations, has confirmed
that the conditions established in the regulations for an official protest
have not been met by the Costa Rica [Football Association]," read a statement
on FIFA's official website. "Therefore, the result of the match played on 22
March stands and is considered as valid."

Both nations return to qualifying action on Tuesday as Costa Rica hosts
Jamaica and the U.S. heads to Mexico.